Cambodia is taking a bold step in its border dispute with Thailand. The government has decided to take the issue to the International Court of Justice, also known as the World Court. This move comes after Cambodia’s parliament and senate unanimously supported the decision.
At the heart of the dispute are four sensitive areas: Ta Moan Thom temple, Ta Moan Touch temple, Ta Kwai temple, and the Bai Makham area. Cambodia wants the World Court to settle the matter once and for all. However, for the court to consider the case, both countries must agree to it. If Thailand doesn’t agree, the court can’t take on the case.
Next week, Cambodia and Thailand are set to meet for a border committee meeting. But Cambodia has already made it clear that it won’t discuss the disputed areas during the meeting. Instead, it hopes Thailand will cooperate with the process of taking the issue to the World Court. Cambodia wants to resolve the matter in a fair and transparent way, without bias or discrimination.
If the World Court does take on the case, it could take months or even years to resolve. The court’s website doesn’t yet show the case on its list of pending matters. Cambodia’s prime minister, Hun Manet, has been vocal about the issue on social media, and the country’s government is keen to find a solution that works for both sides.
Sources: International Court of Justice (ICJ), Facebook page of Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia.
What’s at stake
The border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand is a longstanding issue. The four disputed areas are not only culturally significant but also strategically important. Resolving the matter could have significant implications for the relationship between the two countries.
Possible outcomes
If the World Court takes on the case, there are several possible outcomes:
- The court could rule in favor of Cambodia, giving it control over the disputed areas.
- The court could rule in favor of Thailand, giving it control over the disputed areas.
- The court could suggest a compromise, such as joint control or a special administrative zone.
Regardless of the outcome, the decision will have significant implications for the region and the relationship between Cambodia and Thailand.